U.S. patent number 8,403,194 [Application Number 12/708,904] was granted by the patent office on 2013-03-26 for tool positioning system for positioning power fastener tools.
The grantee listed for this patent is Glenn J. Tebo. Invention is credited to Glenn J. Tebo.
United States Patent |
8,403,194 |
Tebo |
March 26, 2013 |
Tool positioning system for positioning power fastener tools
Abstract
A system and method for positioning a tool. The system includes
a base member configured to contact a first decking member and a
second decking member; at least one base guide including a first
end and an opposing second end, the first end coupled to the base
member, the at least one base guide configured to position the base
member relative to the first decking member and the second decking
member; and an adjustable section coupled to the base member, the
adjustable section configured to allow adjustment of at least one
of a position and an angle of the tool relative to the base
member.
Inventors: |
Tebo; Glenn J. (Kingston,
NH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tebo; Glenn J. |
Kingston |
NH |
US |
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Family
ID: |
42630084 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/708,904 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20100213237 A1 |
Aug 26, 2010 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61154301 |
Feb 20, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
227/148; 227/119;
227/147; 269/37; 227/156; 227/153 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25C
7/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B25C
7/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;227/147,148,153,156,119
;269/37 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Elve; M. Alexandra
Assistant Examiner: Lopez; Michelle
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault &
Pfleger, PLLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/154,301, filed Feb. 20, 2009, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for positioning a tool comprising: a base member having
a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface configured
to contact a first decking member and a second decking member; at
least one base guide comprising a first end and an opposing second
end, said first end coupled to said bottom surface of said base
member, said at least one base guide configured to extend between
said first decking member and said second decking member and
position and inhibit movement of said base member relative to said
first decking member and said second decking member; and an
adjustable section coupled to said base member, said adjustable
section configured to allow adjustment of at least one of a
position and an angle of said tool relative to said base
member.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said angle is between 30
degrees and 89 degrees.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein a dimension of a
cross-section of said at least one base guide is between 0.062
inches and one inch.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said system comprises a
plurality of base guides.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said angle is fixed.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said base member is
generally rectangular and said base member has a width dimension
between one inch and eight inches and a length dimension between
one inch and eight inches.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
said at least one base guide is tapered adjacent said second
end.
8. A system for positioning a tool comprising: a base member
configured to contact a first decking member and a second decking
member; at least one base guide comprising a first end and an
opposing second end, said first end coupled to said base member,
said at least one base guide configured to position said base
member relative to said first decking member and said second
decking member; and an adjustable section coupled to said base
member, said adjustable section comprising at least one pivot shaft
and at least one corresponding shaft guide slidably coupled to said
at least one pivot shaft, said at least one pivot shaft configured
to pivot about a pivot point allowing adjustment of an angle of
said tool relative to said base member, said at least one
corresponding shaft guide configured to allow adjustment of a
position of said tool along said at least one pivot shaft, relative
to said base member.
9. A system for positioning a tool comprising: a base member
configured to contact a first decking member and a second decking
member; at least one base guide comprising a first end and an
opposing second end, said first end coupled to said base member,
said at least one base guide configured to position said base
member relative to said first decking member and said second
decking member; and an adjustable section coupled to said base
member and configured to allow adjustment of at least one of a
position and an angle of said tool relative to said base member,
said adjustable section comprising at least one pivot shaft and at
least one corresponding shaft guide slidably coupled to said at
least one pivot shaft, said at least one pivot shaft configured to
pivot about a pivot point allowing adjustment of said angle of said
tool relative to said base member, said at least one corresponding
shaft guide configured to allow adjustment of said position of said
tool along said at least one pivot shaft, relative to said base
member.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein said angle is between 30
degrees and 89 degrees.
11. A system according to claim 9, wherein a dimension of a
cross-section of said at least one base guide is between 0.062
inches and one inch.
12. A system according to claim 9, wherein said system comprises a
plurality of base guides.
13. A system according to claim 9, wherein said angle is fixed.
14. A system according to claim 9, wherein said base member is
generally rectangular and said base member has a width dimension
between one inch and eight inches and a length dimension between
one inch and eight inches.
15. A system according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of
said at least one base guide is tapered adjacent said second end.
Description
FIELD
The present invention relates in general to tool positioning system
for positioning power fastener tools.
BACKGROUND
A wide variety of fastener configurations for securing structural
members to other members are known. In one example, a deck fastener
may be used for securing decking members to associated joists in
the construction of an exterior deck, or the like. It is desirable
that deck fasteners be configured for securing decking members to
associated joists without a fastener head protruding from a visible
deck surface. It is also desirable to position a first decking
member relative to an adjacent decking member, e.g., with a space
(gap), between the first decking member and the adjacent decking
member. The gap is configured to allow for and/or accommodate
expansion and/or contraction of the decking members due to, for
example, variations in environmental conditions, e.g., temperature
and/or humidity. Deck fasteners may be driven into a decking member
so that a head of the fastener is not visible from a deck top
surface, e.g., by driving the deck fastener at an angle into an
edge of a decking member and into an associated joist.
Fasteners may be driven into decking members using, e.g., a power
fastening tool. The power fastening tool may be positioned at an
angle relative to the decking member in order to drive the
fastener, at an angle, into the edge of the decking member and into
the associated joist. The gap may facilitate driving the fastener
into the edge of the decking member. To achieve improved efficiency
in driving the fasteners into the edge of the decking member at a
desired angle, there is a need for an improved system and method
for positioning a fastening tool relative to the decking
member(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with
other objects, features and advantages, reference should be made to
the following detailed description which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:
FIG. 1A is a sketch of one embodiment of a tool positioning system
with a fixed angle consistent with the present disclosure;
FIG. 1B is a sketch of another embodiment of a tool positioning
system with an adjustable angle consistent with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 1C is a sketch illustrating a plurality of base guides;
FIG. 2A is a sketch of one exemplary embodiment of a tool
positioning system consistent with the present disclosure;
FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG.
2B;
FIG. 2C depicts one exemplary embodiment of a tool positioning
system consistent with the present disclosure;
FIG. 3A depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2C with the tool
at an angle and the tool nose adjacent to a gap;
FIG. 3B depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2C with the tool
at an angle and the tool nose partially inserted into the gap;
and
FIG. 3C depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2C with the tool
at another angle and the tool nose partially inserted into the
gap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For ease of explanation, systems consistent with the present
disclosure may be shown and described herein in connection a
nail-type fastener. It will be recognized, however, a system and
method consistent with the present disclosure will be useful in
connection with a wide variety of fastener configurations. In
addition, exemplary embodiments may be described herein in
connection with fastening decking members to associated joists. It
is to be understood, however, that a system and method consistent
with the present disclosure may be useful in connection with
fasteners configured for use with any type of material including
wood, composite materials, concrete, metal, plastic, textiles and
other materials. The exemplary embodiments described herein are
thus provided only by way of illustration, and are not intended to
be limiting.
Generally, the present disclosure relates to a tool positioning
system and method configured for positioning a power fastener tool
("tool") for driving a fastener into an edge of a decking member to
secure the decking member to an associated joist. For example, the
power fastener tool may be power nailer (e.g., pneumatic, internal
combustion and/or electric), a power stapler (e.g., pneumatic
and/or electric) or another fastener system, e.g., screw fastener
system, and may include a magazine of fasteners. The tool
positioning system may include a base member, at least one base
guide coupled to the base member and an adjustable section coupled
to the base member. The adjustable section is configured to
facilitate positioning and/or orienting the power fastener tool
relative to the base member and/or a decking member. For example,
the adjustable section may include at least one pivot member, e.g.
pivot shaft, and a corresponding shaft guide.
Positioning may include translation of the power fastener tool
relative to the base member. Orienting may include rotation of said
power fastener tool relative to the base member. Rotation is
configured to adjust a drive angle of a fastener relative to a
decking member. Translation is configured to adjust a position of a
nose of the power fastener tool in order to position the nose
relative to the edge of the decking member, e.g., to position the
fastener relative to the edge of the decking member and/or to
release a safety mechanism to allow the tool to drive the fastener
into the decking member.
Turning to FIGS. 1A through 1C, there is illustrated sketches of
exemplary embodiments of a tool positioning system 100 consistent
with the present disclosure. The exemplary systems 100 include a
base member 110, at least one base guide 120 coupled to the base
member 110 and an adjustable section 130 coupled to the base member
110. A tool 140 may be coupled to the adjustable section 130.
The base member 110 may include a first surface 112, a second
surface 114 and at least one side 116. The first surface 112 and
the second surface 114 may be generally planar. The first surface
112 may be generally parallel to the second surface 114. The side
116 may be generally perpendicular to the first surface 112 and the
second surface 114. The second surface 114 may contact a first
decking member 150 and/or a second decking member 160, adjacent the
first decking member 150, when the tool positioning system 100 is
in place, e.g., in preparation for driving one or more fasteners
into the decking member(s). The first surface 112 may then
correspond to a top surface and the second surface 114 may then
correspond to a bottom surface of the base member 110.
For example, the base member 110 may be generally rectangular,
i.e., the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 may be
generally rectangular. The base member 110 may have a width in a
range of about one inch to about 8 inches. The base member 110 may
have a length in a range of about one inch to about 8 inches. The
base member 110 may define an opening configured to receive a tool
nose 145, i.e., a discharge end of the tool 140, as described
herein.
At least one base guide 120 may be coupled to the second (bottom)
surface 114 of the base member 110. The base guide(s) 120 are
configured to position the tool positioning system 100 relative to
the decking members 150, 160. The base guide(s) 120 are configured
to provide and/or fit into a space ("gap") 155 between the first
decking member 150 and the second decking member 160, adjacent the
first decking member 150. The base guide(s) 120 may facilitate
positioning the tool positioning system 100 relative to the decking
member(s) and may inhibit movement of the tool positioning system
100, e.g., when a fastener 170 is driven into a decking member.
The base guide(s) 120 may have a first end coupled to the base
member 110 and an opposing second end. In some embodiments, at
least a portion of the base guide 120 adjacent the second end may
be tapered to facilitate inserting the base guide 120 into the gap
155 between the decking members 150, 160. In an embodiment with a
plurality of base guides 120, the adjustable section 130 may be
positioned generally between at least two of the plurality of base
guides 120. This configuration may provide relatively stable
support for the tool positioning system 100 on the decking
members.
For example, the base guide(s) 120 may be generally cylindrically
shaped, i.e., may have a generally circular cross section. In
another example, the base guide(s) 120 may be generally rectangular
shaped, i.e., may have a generally rectangular cross-section. A
dimension of the base guide cross-section, corresponding to the gap
155 between the first decking member 150 and the second decking
member 160, may be in a range of about 0.062 inches to about one
inch. Although cylindrical and rectangular shapes have been
described, consistent with the present disclosure, the base
guide(s) are not limited to these shapes.
The adjustable section 130 is configured to provide translation
and, in some embodiments, rotation of the tool nose 145 relative to
the base member 110, e.g., relative to the second (bottom) surface
114 of the base member 110 and, thereby relative to the first 150
and second 160 decking members. As shown, for example, in FIG. 1B,
a fastener 170 may be driven into an edge 152 of a decking member,
e.g., the first decking member 150, and into an associated joist
180. In order to drive the fastener 170 into the edge 152 of the
decking member, the tool nose 145 may be positioned at least
partially in the gap 155 and at an angle relative to a
perpendicular defined relative to a surface of the joist 180. The
surface of the joist may be generally parallel to the first 112
and/or second surface 114 of the base member 110 when the base
member 110 is in contact with the decking members 150, 160. The
adjustable section 130 is configured to provide translation of the
tool nose 145 so that the tool nose 145 may be positioned at least
partially in the gap 155. The tool nose 145 may generally be
biased, by, e.g., a spring, so that the tool nose 145 is not in the
gap 155. The tool nose 145 may be inserted into the gap 155 by
applying a force to the tool 140. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
1A, the adjustable section 130 is configured to provide a fixed
angle for the tool nose 145 relative to the base member 110. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the adjustable section 130 is
configured to provide an adjustable angle of the tool nose 145
relative to the base member 110. For example, the angle may be in a
range of about 89 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to the base
member 110. In other words, the angle may be in a range of about
one degree to about 60 degrees relative to a perpendicular to the
surface of the joist 180. A tool nose 145 angle perpendicular to
the surface of the joist 180 may result in driving the fastener 170
into the joist 180 and not into a decking member 150, 160, when the
tool nose 145 is positioned at least partially in the gap 155.
Turning to FIGS. 2A through 2C, there is illustrated an example of
a tool positioning system 100, consistent with the present
disclosure. In this example, the tool positioning system 100
includes two generally cylindrical base guides 120 coupled to a
second surface 114 of a generally rectangular base member 110. The
base member 110 defines a generally rectangular opening 210
configured to receive the tool nose 145. The tool positioning
system 100 includes an adjustable section 130, delineating in the
FIGS. 2A and 2C by a dotted ellipse. Translation of the tool nose
145, i.e., adjustment of the tool nose 145 relative to the base
member 110, is illustrated by a line with an arrow at each end in
FIG. 2C.
Continuing with this example, the adjustable section 130 includes a
plurality of pivot members, e.g., pivot shafts 220, and a plurality
of corresponding shaft guides 230. The pivot shafts 220 are
configured to provide rotation of the tool nose 145, i.e.,
adjustment of an angle of the tool nose 145, relative to the base
member 110. The pivot shafts 220 may be slidably coupled to the
base member 110 via pivot shaft openings 226 defined in based
member 110. An axis of rotation may be defined between a first
pivot point 222 and a second pivot point 224, generally parallel to
the second surface 114 of the base member 110. The tool nose 145
(and tool 140) may rotate generally about this axis.
The pivot shafts 220 and the corresponding shaft guides 230 are
configured to provide translation of the tool nose 145 relative to
the base member 110 and thereby decking members 150, 160. For
example, each pivot shaft 220 may be slidably coupled to an
associated shaft guide 230. The shaft guides may be coupled to the
tool 140 such that the tool 140 may move along the pivot shafts
relative to the base member 110, as indicated by the double arrow
in FIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the pivot shaft(s) 220 may be
configured to disengage a safety feature and allow the tool 140 to
drive a fastener when the tool nose 145 is moved relative to the
base member 110 and contacts, e.g., the edge 152 of the first
decking member 150.
In some embodiments, the shaft guides 230 may define a shaft guide
opening 232 configured to allow insertion and/or removal of a pivot
shaft retainer 228. The pivot shaft retainer 228 is configured to
retain the pivot shaft 220 in the pivot shaft guide 230. For
example, the pivot shaft retainer 228 may be a retainer clip, known
to those skilled in the art.
Turning to FIGS. 3A through 3C, there is illustrated the exemplary
tool positioning system 100 of FIG. 2C with the tool 140 positioned
relative to a base member 110, decking members 150, 160 and gap
155. Referring first to FIG. 3A, there is illustrated the tool 140
with tool nose 145 positioned near the gap 155. In this example,
the base guides 120 are positioned at least partially in the gap
155 between the first and second decking members 150, 160, and the
second surface 114 of the base member 110 is contacting the decking
members 150, 160. The tool 140 and tool nose 145 are at an angle
.alpha..sub.1 relative to the base member 110. A reference
perpendicular 310 is illustrated. The reference perpendicular 310
is relative to the first surface 112 of the base member 110 which
may be generally parallel to a surface of the joist 180. The
adjustable section 130 may allow rotation of the tool 140 and/or
tool nose 145 to an angle .alpha..sub.2 relative to the base member
110. Positioning tool 140 at angle .alpha..sub.1 relative to the
base member 110 may allow a fastener to be driven into the first
decking member 150 while positioning tool 140 at angle
.alpha..sub.2 relative to the base member 110 may allow a fastener
170 to be driven into the second decking member 160.
Referring now to FIG. 3B, there is illustrated the tool positioning
system 100 and the tool 140 with the tool nose 145 positioned at
angle .alpha..sub.1 with the tool nose 145 positioned at least
partially in the gap 155, in preparation for driving a fastener 170
into the first decking member 150. Referring now to FIG. 3C, there
is illustrated the tool positioning system 100 and the tool 140
with the tool nose 145 positioned at angle .alpha..sub.2 with the
tool nose 145 positioned at least partially in the gap 155, in
preparation for driving a fastener 170 into the second decking
member 160.
For example, a tool positioning system 100 may be utilized to
secure one or more decking members to associated joists. The first
decking member 150 and the second decking member 160 may be placed,
i.e., positioned, on a plurality of joists 180. The second decking
member 160 may be positioned relative to the first decking member
150, leaving a gap 155 between the decking members 150, 160. The
tool positioning system 100 may then be positioned relative to the
decking members 150, 160 so that the one or more guide members 120
extend at least partially into the gap 155 and the base member 110
contacts the decking members 150, 160. An angle, e.g.,
.alpha..sub.1, between the tool 140 (and tool nose 145) and the
base member 110 may be adjusted to align the tool nose 145 relative
to the edge 152 of the first decking member 150. In some
embodiments, the angle may be set prior to positioning the tool
positioning system 100 relative to the decking members 150, 160. A
position of the tool 140 may then be adjusted to position the tool
nose 145 in the gap 155. In this position, the tool nose 145 may
contact the edge 152 of the first decking member 150 and may
disengage the safety feature and allow a fastener to be driven into
the first decking member 150 and the associated joist, e.g., joist
180. The tool 140 may then be released so that the tool nose 145
exits the gap. In some embodiments the tool 140 may be rotated to a
second angle, e.g., .alpha..sub.2, between the tool 140 (and tool
nose 145) and the base member 110. The process may then be repeated
to drive a fastener into the second decking member 160. The tool
positioning system 100 may then be moved to another position, e.g.,
another associated joist, along the decking members 150, 160 and
the process may be repeated.
Accordingly, a tool positioning system, consistent with the present
disclosure, is configured to position a power fastener tool to
facilitate driving a fastener into an edge of a decking member and
into an associated joist. The tool positioning system is configured
to provide rotation and/or translation of the tool relative to
decking member(s) and/or a gap between decking members. In this
manner, driving fasteners during the installation of decking
members may be done relatively quickly while reducing the
likelihood that the fasteners will be visible after the
installation.
According to one aspect, there is disclosed a system for
positioning a tool. The system may include a base member configured
to contact a first decking member and a second decking member. The
system may further include at least one base guide including a
first end and an opposing second end, the first end coupled to the
base member, the at least one base guide configured to position the
base member relative to the first decking member and the second
decking member. The system may further include an adjustable
section coupled to the base member, the adjustable section
including at least one pivot shaft and at least one corresponding
shaft guide slidably coupled to the at least one pivot shaft, the
at least one pivot shaft configured to pivot about a pivot point
allowing adjustment of an angle of the tool relative to the base
member, the at least one corresponding shaft guide configured to
allow adjustment of a position of the tool along the at least one
pivot shaft, relative to the base member.
According to another aspect, there is provided a system for
positioning a tool. The system may include a base member configured
to contact a first decking member and a second decking member. The
system may further include at least one base guide including a
first end and an opposing second end, the first end coupled to the
base member, the at least one base guide configured to position the
base member relative to the first decking member and the second
decking member. The system may further include an adjustable
section coupled to the base member, the adjustable section
configured to allow adjustment of at least one of a position and an
angle of the tool relative to the base member.
According to another aspect, there is provided a method for
positioning a tool. The method may include positioning a tool
positioning system relative to a first decking member and a second
decking member. The tool positioning system may include a base
member configured to contact the first decking member and the
second decking member, at least one base guide including a first
end and an opposing second end, the first end coupled to the base
member, the at least one base guide configured to position the base
member relative to the first decking member and the second decking
member, and an adjustable section coupled to the base member, the
adjustable section configured to allow adjustment of at least one
of a position and an angle of a tool relative to the base member.
The positioning may include inserting the at least one base guide
at least partially into a gap between the first decking member and
the second decking member until the base member contacts the first
decking member and the second decking member; and adjusting the
position of the tool relative to the base member so that the nose
of the tool contacts the edge of the first decking member,
disengaging a safety feature and allowing a fastener to be driven
into the first decking member and an associated joist by the
tool.
The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used
as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding
any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions
thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are
possible within the scope of the claims. Other modifications,
variations, and alternatives are also possible.
* * * * *